Class 6–8 · ages about 11 to 14

Try it, don't sign up for it.

At this age the goal is curiosity, not a certificate. Short, school-led tastes of real work are best. Outside internships are not for this age.

Good ways to taste real work

Bagless days at schoolUnder NEP 2020 schools can run 10 bagless days a year in Classes 6–8, including time with local experts such as carpenters, potters, gardeners and artists.Good for: seeing real work up close. Watch out: ask your school when it runs them.
Clubs, hobbies and school projectsScience, coding, art, music or sports clubs, and projects that end in something real: a model, a show, a small sale for charity.Good for: finding what you enjoy. Watch out: nothing; keep it fun.
Visits with a parentA day at a parent's or relative's workplace, a factory tour, a hospital open day, a museum workshop.Good for: asking people about their jobs. Watch out: always with a known adult.
Helping in the family businessAllowed by law after school hours or in holidays, as long as the work is not risky.Good for: money sense and responsibility. Watch out: no machines, no long hours, school comes first.

For the student and a parent.

Under 14No work, except helping in the family business after school or in holidays.
Age 14–17No risky work. At most 3 hours before a 1-hour break, 6 hours in all, never between 7 pm and 8 am, and one full day off each week.
AlwaysA parent knows where, with whom and when. On EasyApply, a parent says yes before anything is saved.

Child and Adolescent Labour Act, 1986 · Read it ↗

Add what you did to your EasyApply portfolio while it's fresh: what, where, hours, one thing you learned, and the certificate.

A counsellor can match it to your subjects, course and goals. The first chat is free.

Checked at official sources on 28 Oct 2026. See sources